The math is wrong, since you don't account for the volume added by the dissolved sugar from the converted grain, but the answer is close enough.

Max gravity for 10# of base malt in 5 gallons of mash water is probably just under 1.065. You can figure out your target gravity with a pretty simple formula (I'd change the 37 to a 36 if there is much specialty malt in there):Max points per gallon from mash = (# of grain*37)/(mash volume in gallons+(0.075 gallons*# of grain))[/quote]

Thanks Denny. That will go in my notebook. And using your formula I was off by half a brix

Thanks Denny. That will go in my notebook. And using your formula I was off by half a brix

People don't usually call me Denny

Your formula actually works darn well as a quick estimate. It could work really well if you wanted a number you could calculate on the fly. Basically your 80% factor makes a pretty decent estimate of the dilution effect for that grain bill, though I'm just not sure where it comes from. It will probably become less predictive if you diverge from 2 qt/# mash thickness, but it will often get you within a brix or so. The other formula is pretty quick to calculate, too, but it's tougher to do in your head.

I just gave you the other formula so you could see the logic used to make the calculation and get a more accurate estimate, if you want one.

That refractometer sure didn't get very positive reviews. Kind of apprehensive after reading some of those. Usually there's one or two bad reviews, but that one has quite a few.

All the bad reviews I read were either the SG scale wasn't accurate or they shipped a brix only refractometer instead. I will only use the brix side, which solves both problems. If brix isn't accurate I'm sending it back.

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Delmarva United Homebrewers - President by inverse coup - former president ousted himself.AHA Member since 2006BJCP Certified: B0958

That refractometer sure didn't get very positive reviews. Kind of apprehensive after reading some of those. Usually there's one or two bad reviews, but that one has quite a few.

I was reading reviews that mainly said things about the order being wrong or the refractometer not coming with a hard case. For $20, its pretty hard to beat. I'll also send it back if it's not what was specified.

That refractometer sure didn't get very positive reviews. Kind of apprehensive after reading some of those. Usually there's one or two bad reviews, but that one has quite a few.

I don't know, there are like 7 bad reviews and 23 really good ones. let's assume the guy selling it has added half the good reviews there are still almost twice as many 5 star reviews as 1 star. Time will tell.

I'm almost positive it's the same one I have, and I'm pretty pleased with it (bought another @ that price). I check the calibration before each brew day, and since some refractometers are notorious for giving inconsistent readings from a given sample, I take multiple readings from any sample I take. Gotta say, it's pretty consistent . I love it. But as previously posted, I use it for pre-fermentation readings and a hydrometer for FG.

Good luck, fellas! The only reason I'd want one is for pre-boil gravity readings. Otherwise, I'm fine using a hydrometer for my OG readings.

FWIW - that's pretty much what I intend to use it for. I also rarely take gravity readings mid-fermentation since I brew smaller batches. I'll probably be more willing to check on beers every once in a while if I can just take a refractometer sample instead of a full hydro sample. Personally, I'm just looking for another tool in my arsenal rather than a hydrometer replacement.

Good luck, fellas! The only reason I'd want one is for pre-boil gravity readings. Otherwise, I'm fine using a hydrometer for my OG readings.

FWIW - that's pretty much what I intend to use it for. I also rarely take gravity readings mid-fermentation since I brew smaller batches. I'll probably be more willing to check on beers every once in a while if I can just take a refractometer sample instead of a full hydro sample. Personally, I'm just looking for another tool in my arsenal rather than a hydrometer replacement.

Fair enough. How small of batches do you brew? One gallon? Small batches are cool, I've settled on 4 gallon batches. Three gallons might be even better because turn over is much faster, but sometimes it's just not enough, especially if I'm taking a lot of growlers to parties.